Dr. Samer A S Abuswider – Ophthalmologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Samer A S Abuswider is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Alberta Eye MD in Edmonton, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. As a skilled ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Abuswider graduated with MB BCh from Libya in 1997 and is an experienced ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He holds key certifications including FRCP(GLAS) - Fellow, Royal College of Physicians Glasgow - Ophthalmology, among others. His educational background and certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care and staying current with advances in the field.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Abuswider is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. Focused on early detection and management of eye diseases, he strives to prevent vision loss and promote overall eye health. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, he ensures comprehensive patient care. Fluent in Arabic, he communicates clearly with a diverse patient population, reinforcing his commitment to accessible and personalized eye care in Edmonton.

Dr. Samer Abuswider provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Abuswider addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Abuswider addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Abuswider addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Samer Abuswider is necessary.

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Abuswider.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Abuswider's primary eye clinic, Alberta Eye MD, is conveniently situated in Edmonton's SE: Mill Woods South (Sakaw, Menisa) neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, making it simple for patients to reach. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients will find ample parking options usually located in proximity to the clinic, ensuring convenience for those visiting for routine examinations or advanced surgical procedures.

Are services from Dr. Abuswider covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abuswider, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Abuswider's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Abuswider's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abuswider?

A visit to Dr. Abuswider is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Does Dr. Abuswider perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Abuswider. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Abuswider can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Abuswider?

Dr. Abuswider treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

How does Dr. Abuswider treat glaucoma?

Dr. Abuswider manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Abuswider specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Abuswider, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. He is committed to providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Alberta Eye MD
103-2731 Hewes Way NW, 103
Edmonton, AB T6L 6W6

Office Phone: (780) 450-3335 | Office Fax: (780) 461-9430 | Practice Website: https://www.albertaeyemd.com/

Dr. Abuswider is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Abuswider, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Abuswider's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fb2eae8f-53df-4ade-b954-247eecb36589&i=16